Sharvari flew to Punjab for research of ‘Main Vapas Aaunga’ but ended up doing ‘touristy things’ with her mom
Mumbai, May 21 (IANS) Bollywood actress Sharvari, who is gearing up for the release of her upcoming film ‘Main Vapas Aaunga’, has shared she went to Punjab with her mother to get acclimatized with the land and the culture. However, both of them ended up doing “touristy things”
She also shared that she approaches every novel thing with the enthusiasm of a “first bencher”. The actress spoke with IANS along with her co-actor Vedang Raina, and auteur Imtiaz Ali during the promotions of the film in the city.
The actress comes from a Maharashtrian background. When asked how it was for her to explore the culture of Punjab and live vicariously through her character of a Punjabi woman in the film, she said, “It was exciting at first. But as I started exploring, there was so much more to learn. And I've always been this first bencher in life, who loves making notes and writing and researching. It's still a part of my process because I feel like I have had the habit of doing it in school. But I remember when Imtiaz sir and I spoke about this film. I wanted to go to Punjab before we even started talking about this film or started reading the film together. I wanted to know more about the land, the people, the food”.
She further mentioned, “Imtiaz sir speaks so much about Punjab. I feel like him and Punjab is a love story of its own. So I really wanted to be able to contribute to that because I felt like I was lacking the minute I was hearing things from him. And I said I needed to go there and experience this first hand”.
“So I convinced my mom. My mom and I both went on a trip to Punjab. And we did all the touristy things. From eating food to going to all the monuments to going to the partition museum. And I did this purely not thinking that it would be for research. But to just go to a place and be able to visit the place. And give it the opportunity so that I fall in love with it. And I really, really did. I think that the people in Punjab are the most heartwarming people”, she added
'Main Vapas Aaunga' is set to release in cinemas on June 12, 2026.
--IANS
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Randeep Hooda receives Krishna Idol as gift from Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini
Mumbai, May 21 (IANS) Bollywood actor Randeep Hooda recently met the Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, and even received an extremely special gift from him - an idol of Lord Krishna.
Sharing glimpses of his meeting with the CM on his official Instagram handle, Hood penned a gratitude note saying, "Honorable Chief Minister Shri @nayabsainiofficial ji, I bow in front of your affection, honor, and good wishes It is a matter of pride for me to spread the soil, language, and culture of Haryana across the world through my personality and work.(sic)."
Praising the Chief Minister for his leadership, the 'Highway' actor went on to add, "Meeting you felt very warm. Your sociable nature and the way you take everyone with you is a symbol of your popularity. With the reins of our Haryana in the hands of such remarkable people like you, surely the state will progress further. Your blessings and love will always encourage me. The effort to keep enhancing Haryana’s honor and respect will continue."
Talking about Hooda's professional commitments, he will soon be seen in the forthcoming biographical drama "Eetha", co-starring Shraddha Kapoor.
Directed by Laxman Utekar, "Eetha" is inspired by the life of one of India’s earliest Tamasha Lavni dancers, Vithabai Narayangaonkar.
The film aspires to narrate a powerful journey rooted in culture.
Shraddha and Hooda completed the shoot for the Pune leg of the schedule in February this year.
Before that, the makers wrapped up the Mumbai schedule for "Eetha" from late January to February.
Over and above this, Hooda will also be a part of the epic war drama “Operation Khukri.”
The 'Sarbjit' actor has procured the official movie rights to “Operation Khukri: The Untold Story of the Indian Army’s Bravest Peacekeeping Mission Abroad” by Major General Rajpal Punia and Damini Punia.
--IANS
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Jackie Shroff reveals how his ‘The Great Grand Superhero’ mirrors him in real life
Mumbai, May 21 (IANS) Actor Jackie Shroff, who is awaiting the release of his upcoming film ‘The Great Grand Superhero’, has shared that his titular character of a superhero grandfather is very close to him.
The actor, along with Manish Saini, the director, spoke with IANS during the promotions of the film in the city. The actor said that there were many factors behind giving his nod to the film, and one of them is the novelty of the concept.
He said that the concept of a superhero grandfather was unheard of in Hindi cinema until the work on the film started.
When asked what appealed to the artiste in him about the story or the character, the actor said, “I said, a gentleman who's got three national awards. It's the right kind to totally blindly trust. And he trusting me, it's an honour for me. It's a privilege for me. So there was no way that I couldn't do this film. Later on, then he made me hear a little bit of it, and I liked it. And I thought, ‘A grandfather playing a grandfather and having equation with a grandchild like a friend. That's something which I am. I talk to a child like he's me. I don't see the difference. There's no generation gap”.
He added, “And then that guy becomes a superhero. And I wanted to be a superhero. I said, ‘Let’s do, I'll get a chance to become a superhero. And I think I can pass off as an old chap. So there was no way that I could refuse the film. I really liked the character of this grandfather. And I liked him a hell of a lot. And for me, it's basically a film which is very close to my heart. And to be working with this gentleman who's got three national, 40 years, I haven't got a single. So obviously, it's a bloody privilege”.
‘The Great Grand Superhero’ is set to release in cinemas on May 29, 2026.
--IANS
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Shivya Pathania on the art reality series ‘SPECTRA’: We were living every moment
Mumbai, May 21 (IANS) Actress Shivya Pathania is all set to headline and host the reality series “SPECTRA”, a unique art-based show that moves away from the usual format of conflict-driven reality television.
The series follows seven artists - Aathira Mohan, Athira Dev, Sneha Chakraborty, Riya Malra, Sakshi Khullar, Stanlee, and Zake as they accept the challenge of creating art amidst the terrains of the Himalayas.
Produced by Harsh Mainra under the banner of Versatile Motion Pictures, “SPECTRA” follows the mantra, “No Drama - No Fight, Only Fundamentally Right.”
Speaking about the show, Shivya said, “I have never done a show like 'SPECTRA' before, and honestly, I don’t think I have ever seen something like this either. There was no script, no manufactured drama, no fixed moments… we were literally in the middle of jungles and mountains, living every moment as it came. It was real, raw, and deeply special to me because I myself belong to the mountains, so I understand the silence, the calm, and the magic they hold."
"I truly believe that whoever watches this show, something will stay with them after it ends. Maybe the child inside them will wake up again… the one who once loved colours, painting, sketching, creating without fear. 'SPECTRA' is also for everyone who once loved painting, sketching, or creating but somewhere along the way felt art could never be pursued seriously, and creativity deserves to be pursued," she added.
Sharing the core idea behind the show, she said, "And if even one person, while watching 'SPECTRA', pauses and thinks about how important nature is for us humans and how necessary it is to stay connected with art, then for us that is the biggest win. Because this is probably the only reality show where there is no winner… the journey itself is the winner.”
Producer Harsh Mainra added, “SPECTRA is not just about aesthetics; it is rooted in nature. Our core message, ‘No Forest, No Future’ is a high-altitude plea for conservation."
The makers recently hosted an exclusive Blue Carpet Premiere and Art Exhibition on May 19 at Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai Andheri, where they showcased the artworks created during the Himalayan journey.
--IANS
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Sonali Bendre’s ‘Summer state of mind’ includes crochet
Mumbai, May 21 (IANS) As we all grapple with the scorching heat, actress Sonali Bendre has decided to take a unique approach. She revealed through her latest social media post that her 'Summer state of mind' includes doing crochet.
On Thursday, Sonali took to her official Instagram and dropped a glimpse of her summer diaries.
The first snap in the post was a breezy selfie of the 'Hum Saath-Saath Hain' actress, followed by a picture of her crochet.
From a refreshing salad to a beautiful garden, to a cozy room, Sonali's summer seems full of bliss.
We could also see a huge tumbler with Sonali's name on it to complete her water intake during summer, along with a small hand fan and an i-pad placed on a table.
Providing an insight into her summer days, the 'Sarfarosh' actor penned the caption, "Summer state of mind (sic)," followed by a sun emoticon.
Sonali keeps her Insta family engaged with such snippets from her personal and professional life.
In March, Sonali decided to take a trip down memory lane. She uploaded a video montage of some of her throwback pictures from her early days in the film industry during the 1990s.
“Back when photos were kinda blur but life was much simpler," read the caption of the post.
She was seen flaunting various stylish looks from the 90s era.
Sonali made her acting debut in 1994 with the film "Aag". After this, she featured in many popular movies such as "Sarfarosh", "Diljale", "Duplicate", and "Major Saab", to name just a few.
Till today, movie buffs fondly remember her as Preeti from the family entertainer "Hum Saath-Saath Hain".
Meanwhile, Sonali recently turned host for the couple reality show "Pati Patni Aur Panga" along with social media influencer Munawwar Farooqui.
The show had popular couples such as Swara Bhaskar and her husband, Rubina Dilaik-Abhinav Shukla, Hina Khan- Rocky Jaiswal, Debinna Bonnerjee - Gurmeet Choudhary as contestants.
--IANS
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Pawan Singh, Nirahua & others to be a part of first ‘follow reality’ show ‘Bhojpuri Bawaal’
Mumbai, May 21 (IANS) JioHotstar and Colors have joined forces to give the audience a peek into the personal and professional lives of some of Bhojpuri entertainment’s biggest names, including Pawan Singh, Dinesh Lal Yadav (Nirahua), Amrapali Dubey, Kajal Raghwani, and Tej Pratap Yadav, with the latest show, "Bhojpuri Bawaal".
Unlike the traditional reality formats, the series introduces a first-of-its-kind ‘follow reality’ format with no tasks or eliminations.
For the first time, the cameras will simply be the silent observers inside the everyday worlds of these celebs, offering audiences an intimate and immersive look into the real person behind the phenomenon.
From fame, fandom, family pressures, ambition, rivalries, celebrations, controversies, to the relentless hustle behind superstardom, "Bhojpuri Bawaal" will capture every aspect of their lives.
Talking about the show, Alok Jain, Head - Hindi & English Entertainment Business (Streaming, TV & Studios), JioStar said, “JioHotstar is India’s home for unscripted programming, with the widest range of non-fiction stories. We’ve built this by consistently innovating across formats—from captive reality, comedy, talent to relationship-led human dramas and many more. With Bhojpuri Bawaal, we’re taking that innovation into a new space: a first-of-its-kind follow-reality format that captures the real lives of biggest stars of bhojpuri industry".
"Bhojpuri entertainment is one of the most vibrant forces from the Hindi heartland, and this show brings its scale, emotion, and authenticity to a wider national audience- not just for bhojpuri people but India at large," he added.
Sharing the initial glimpse of the show on social media, the makers wrote, "Jab baat ho Bhojpuri heart aur thaath ki toh Bawaal guaranteed hai...#BhojpuriBawaal coming soon on @JioHotstar aur @colorstv [ Bhojpuri Bawaal, Dinesh Nirahua, Aamrapali Dubey ] (sic)".
"Bhojpuri Bawaal" is expected to stream exclusively on JioHotstar and air on Colors TV shortly. However, the exact release date is yet to be announced by the makers.
--IANS
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Anil Kapoor gives a glimpse of his intense push up session, says ‘this is how I vacation’
Mumbai, May 21 (IANS) Bollywood star Anil Kapoor seems to be proving that age is just a number with his latest intense workout video, at his vacation.
Sharing the glimpse on his social media account, the actor showed his how he prefers to spend his holidays, with fitness and discipline.
He captioned the video as, “This is how I vacation…”
In the video, Anil Kapoor was seen doing intense push-ups outdoors with breathtaking mountains and hills surrounding him.
Dressed in a black fitted T-shirt, dark workout pants and a black cap, the actor looked completely focused on his fitness routine.
The clip featured the motivational background score “Live To Win.”
Soon after he shared the post, many celebrities and fans flooded the comment section praising his dedication towards fitness.
Actor Sudhanshu Pandey commented, “Super,” while Maheep Kapoor, Rahul Dev and Maniesh Paul also reacted with applause and fire emojis.
At the age of 68, Anil Kapoor has been driving that fitness has no age bar and continues to live with a disciplined lifestyle and commitment towards health.
The actor has often spoken about maintaining a strict workout regime, following a healthy diet and staying consistent with fitness for several decades now.
Despite his busy schedule, he is a regular with his workout sessions and keeps giving fans glimpses of it all on his social media.
On the personal front, Anil Kapoor is not just a father to three children, Sonam Kapoor, Rhea Kapoor and Harsh Varrdhan Kapoor, but is also a proud grandfather after Sonam Kapoor welcomed her first son Vayu in 2022 and second in March 2026, with husband Anand Ahuja.
On the professional front, Anil Kapoor made his Bollywood debut in the late 1970s and has been a part of the film industry for over four decades.
He has been a parth of movies like ‘Mr India’ ‘Tezaab, ‘Ram Lakhan’, ‘Beta’, ‘Pukar’, ‘Nayak’, ‘Welcome’, and ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’. He also received immense appreciation for projects like ‘24’ and ‘Subedar’.
–IANS
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Bobby Deol’s ‘Bandar’ trailer exposes the disturbing reality many men silently face
Mumbai, May 21 (IANS) The makers of Bobby Deol's upcoming movie Bandar dropped the trailer on Thursday on their social media account.
After creating a stir on internet post it's teaser that was dropped last week, Bandar makers have now dropped it's official trailer.
The trailer film looks engaging and unconventional in its approach to entertainment.
With Bobby Deol collaborating with director Anurag Kashyap for the very first time, the actor seems to have stepped into a unconventional role in an Anurag Kashyap film.
The 2 and a half minutes trailer shows Bobby Deol attempting a very different role after his superhit streak with Animal and The Ba***ds of Bollywood.
The trailer hints at a love story gone wrong, and how Bobby as Sameera Mehra gets caught amidst fake FIRs and police cases.
The movie features an ensemble cast like Sanya Malhotra, Raj B Shetty, Sapna Pabbi, Saba Azad, Riddhi Sen, Jitendra Joshi, Indrajeet, and Nagesh Bhonsle.
The movie has directed by Anurag Kashyap, written by Sudip Sharma and Abhishek Banerjee, the team behind Paatal Lok, Kohrra and Udta Punjab, and has been produced by Nikhil Dwivedi under the banner of Saffron Magicworks.
Backed by Zee Studios, Bandar releases in cinemas worldwide on 5th June 2026.
Talking about Bobby Deol, the actor, along with Bandar is currently geared up Alpha and a few other projects.
Bandar will be Bobby Deol's first solo lead movie after 17 years.
The actor who made his debut in the movie Barsaat along with Twinkle Khanna has over the years delivered superhit movie that proved his acting prowess.
–IANS
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Ronit Bose Roy becomes a victim of cybercrime, warns culprits, ‘cops are coming for you’
Mumbai, May 21 (IANS) Actor Ronit Bose Roy is the latest celebrity to become a victim of cybercrime.
On Thursday, the 'Udaan' actor informed that someone has been reaching out to people, especially girls, using his name and has been asking them for money.
He even shared the number and mail ID used by the accused, warning him that he will be facing the consequences of his actions very soon.
Ronit further urged the netizens to kindly inform him in case they are approached by anyone like this on his behalf.
The '2 States' actor took to his official Instagram handle and wrote, "It has come to my notice that someone has been using my name and reaching out to people, especially girls and asking for money. This person has been trying to take bookings in my name. The number involved is a Zangi number 3318085685 The email id being used is ronitroybookings@hotmail.com Everyone be careful. As for the perpetrator.... “cops are coming for you (sic).”
"Please note I will never approach women on social network or otherwise. Obviously I will never ask anyone for money If y’all come across anyone like that please bring it to my notice immediately", he went on to write.
Ronit even shared a couple of screenshots of the conversations where the accused is asking people for money using his name.
In the caption, Rohit advised everyone to be careful of such fruads, who use celebrity names to ask for money.
"Be very careful of people using celebrities identities to fool people and take advantage of them. In case you come across such instances it’s always a good idea to bring it to the celebrities notice. Me nor my representatives will ever reach out asking for money or for any such favors. (sic)," he issued the warning.
--IANS
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Michael Bay to direct movie based on Operation Epic Fury
Los Angeles, May 21 (IANS) Director Michael Bay is busy with a new film about a major military operation. Michael, who previously helmed the 2016 military drama ‘13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi’, is working on a film about the two pilots who were rescued from Iran during Operation Epic Fury this year.
Operation Epic Fury is a military action against Iran that President Trump approved starting in February 2026, reports ‘Variety’.
The director is working on the project with Universal Pictures. In April, a rescue mission took place to save two pilots from a downed US Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle.
As per ‘Variety’, he will be working with writer Scott Gardenhour and producer Erwin Stoff, both of whom collaborated with him on “13 Hours.” Bay and Stoff will produce the film, while Gardenhour is adapting the script from Mitchell Zuckoff’s upcoming book about the incident, which is set to be published by HarperCollins in 2027.
Michael Bay has had a long history collaborating with the U.S. military in order to add realism to films like his ‘Transformers’ series, and ‘13 Hours’.
After the rescue, Trump reacted with an enthusiastic post on Truth Social, writing, “WE GOT HIM! My fellow Americans, over the past several hours, the United States Military pulled off one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in U.S. History, for one of our incredible Crew Member Officers, who also happens to be a highly respected Colonel, and who I am thrilled to let you know is now SAFE and SOUND”.
“This brave Warrior was behind enemy lines in the treacherous mountains of Iran, being hunted down by our enemies, who were getting closer and closer by the hour, but was never truly alone because his Commander in Chief, Secretary of War, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and fellow Warfighters were monitoring his location 24 hours a day, and diligently planning for his rescue. At my direction, the U.S. Military sent dozens of aircraft, armed with the most lethal weapons in the World, to retrieve him. He sustained injuries, but he will be just fine”, he added.
--IANS
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